I think if I received an engagement ring like that, I would actually pretty touched.
True, it is not my idea of an engagement ring (I'd prefer something like Queen Elizabeth's or Crown Princess Victoria's rings), however, the thought behind the ring is what would matter to me. Joachim deliberately chose a ring that symbolised his bride's roots and country of origin.

However stunning the ring, at the end of the day it's better to receive a modest but thoughtful ring, than a trophy, statement piece with no emotions behind it.

Those diamond drops are gorgeous and it looks like the decorative pieces on the gown slip over a rope-like attachment. You can see how the top ones curve down. Whether they came with the dress, are costume jewelry or the real thing is the question. Thank you for the closeup, Salma!

__________________A book should be either a bandit or a rebel or a man in the crowd..... D.H. Lawrence

Regarding her engagement ring 2 things 1] I f she had a hand in choosing it fine it's ugly but she picked ugly
2] I f that is not the case how did she feel when seeing for the first time the most appaling engagement ring and the new husband sees you as that boring !!!!
Because IMO not only is it Ugly but it's boring it's not an eterinty ring it's just something one would slip on for daytime when nothing else came to mind.
So for me I hope it's the first option.

I think I remember reading, that Joachim designed it himself?

__________________Soccer is a game for 22 people that run around, play the ball, and one referee who makes a slew of mistakes, and in the end Germany always wins. Gary Lineker

As agami.pearl noted, Marie has worn it quite a few times. Apart from South Korea reception in May of 2011, she also wore it during the week-long visit to Japan a month earlier (the picture is not very clear, but it's definitely the same brooch).